Town to be illuminated ‘poppy red’ for Remembrance

The new lights, which have been installed by Harborough District Council on shop fronts in The Square and The Symington Building in Adam and Eve Street, will be lit up to coincide with the Remembrance commemorations from 11 November until 15 November 2021.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE and RBL county chairman Colonel Robert Martin have called upon organisations across the county to light up their buildings in tribute to the heroic sacrifice made by so many.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council said: “I am pleased that we will be able to use the lights for the first time on such a poignant occasion to mark Remembrance Day to remind people of the ultimate sacrifice made by local residents during the World Wars and other more recent conflicts.”

The Council has invested in the low-energy LED lights which can change colour to mark or promote significant events, seasonal occasions, and to raise awareness of charities and national days. In the future, it is hoped the lights will also be used to attract people to the town, create a nice atmosphere in the evenings, boost the night-time economy, make people feel safer, and enhance the attractiveness of the historic town centre.

Stewart Harrison, Chairman of the Market Harborough Branch of The Royal British Legion, said: “I think this is a brilliant idea, and I think the public will like it. Red is a symbolic colour of Remembrance and represents the importance of acknowledging the sacrifice of those who didn’t come back, as well as those still affected by conflict, and the armed forces helping countries across the world.”

Cllr King added: “The lights have been tastefully fitted, in collaboration with local businesses, and will be used to promote events and commemorate other important occasions in the future.”